Archive for the ‘Passport’ Category

The applicant can apply for re-issue of passport if he holds a valid passport and either of the following conditions are true:

Expiration is due or the validity expired within 3 years

Exhaustion of Pages of the passport

Damaged Passport

Lost Passport

Change in any of the Particulars mentioned in the passport

The procedure is the same for re-issue of the passport as when applying for a passport for the first time with a few extra documents according to the above conditions. The fees and documents differ depending on the reason for re-issue.

Expiration of Passport

A valid passport holder can apply for re-issue of passport 1 year before the expiration date or within 3 years of the expiration of the passport. The following documents have to be provided for the reissue of passport:

A fresh application form has to be filled online and submitted.

The original passport with self attested copy of the first two and last two pages of the passport. Photocopy of the ECR/ECNR page, any observation made by the Passport Issuing Authority, and validity extension page, in case of short validity passport.

Exhaustion of Passport

The following documents have to be submitted in case of re-issue of passport when all the pages have exhausted:

The original passport with self attested copy of the first two and last two pages of the passport. Photocopy of the ECR/ECNR page, any observation made by the Passport Issuing Authority, and validity extension page, in case of short validity passport

Present Address Proof: any of the documents listed on the form and the website of the passport office.

Damaged Passport

Proof of Address which could be any of the documents as mentioned above.

Proof of Date of Birth: a certificate from the Registrar of Births and Deaths or the Municipal Authority, or Certificate from Recognized Board from the school last attended, or an Affidavit sworn by a Magistrate or Notary mentioning the state/place of birth as per the specimen of Annexure ‘A’.

The original passport with self attested copy of the first two and last two pages of the passport. Photocopy of the ECR/ECNR page, any observation made by the Passport Issuing Authority, and validity extension page, in case of short validity passport.

Affidavit mentioning the reason for the damage of the passport according to Annexure ’L’.

Note: Annexure are available with the application form.

Lost Passport

The same documents are required as in the case of damaged passport along with a Police report in original.

Change of Particulars

The original passport with self attested copy of the first two and last two pages of the passport. Photocopy of the ECR/ECNR page, any observation made by the Passport Issuing Authority, and validity extension page, in case of short validity passport.

Proof of Address and supporting documents stating the change of the particulars.

Passport is of prime importance since it is a document that enables to identify the nationality that a person belongs to. It is important to note here in this regard that applying for a passport can truly be a cumbersome process and is often inclusive of certain hassles and difficulties. Therefore there are certain pre requisites which need to be maintained and adhered to in order to ensure less complication in the process of applying for passport.

Therefore following are the Do’s and Don’ts which must be deliberately followed by the applicants of passport.

Photograph: For the application of passport a colored photograph having white or light background must be pasted. The size of the photograph must be 4.5cm * 3.5 cm. the photograph must be the very recent photograph of the applicant only. It is important to note here in this regard that the photograph submitted must not be older than 6 months from the concerned Date. No sign or signature must be present on the photograph.

Demand Draft: The Demand Draft required for the application of the passport must be issued by a Bank which is appropriately scheduled for the purpose. It is important to note her in this respect that the validity of the draft is to be 60 days or at times more than the date of submission. The amount mentioned in the draft must be of the exact fee required. It is very important to take care of the draft. In no condition whatsoever must the draft be torn, tattered or soiled.

Documents: The documents required for the purpose are the photocopies of the original ones which must be duly self attested. For each of the category of document just one documentary proof is sufficient. The documents concerned must be appropriately mentioned in the section named Enclosure. The personal details provided for the application must be appropriate and must duly match the details as mentioned in the documents produced.

Application Form: The Application forms to be submitted for the passport must be of the new format only then the application form will be accepted. No tattered, torn or foiled application form will be accepted by the official. The form must be duly completed without any mistakes. Details such as the age, permanent and communication address together with the educational qualification, Contact number etc must be duly mentioned in the form.

Signature: the application form must be duly signed by the applicant. His thumb impression must also be provided. This is a compulsion that must be given below the photograph. Signature and the thumb impression must also be present in the self declaration in the last page.

Therefore the above mentioned Do’s and Don’ts must be followed strictly in order to ensure appropriate completion of the form.

The External Affairs Ministry of India is very strict about the requirement of the documents for issuing passport. There are certain standards that need to be followed while providing a photograph for the passport. If the applicant submits the application for passport at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or a mini Passport Seva Kendra (Mini Psk), the applicant’s photograph will be taken at the Service Counter.

Whereas, if the applicant submits the application for the passport at a District Passport Cell(DPC) or a Speed Post Cntre(SPC) or a Citizen Service Centre(CSC), then the applicant is required to paste a passport size photograph on the application form. The size of the photograph should be 4.5cmx3.5c.m.

Note: If the applicant is a minor and below 4 years of age, the applicant must carry a passport size photograph when visiting a Passport Seva Kendra(PSK) or Mini Passport Seva Kendra(MiniPSK). The photograph must be on a white background and a clear image.

There are certain checks that the applicant must keep while providing the photograph for the application of passport. The following is the list of Dos and Don’ts

Dos:

The photograph provided should not be more than 6 months old.

Four copies of the same photograph are required. One is required for the application form, 2 copies of the same photograph are to be pasted on the PP form, the other copy is required for the passport.

The passport size photograph is to be pasted within the box meant for affixing the photo in the form. The size of the photograph should be 4.5c.m.x3.5c.m.

The photograph should be on a light background, preferably white and the applicant must be wearing dark colored clothes.

The frontal view of the full face of the applicant should be clearly visible in the photograph.

The photograph should be printed on a thin photo paper or stock. It should of a continuous-tone quality.

The face should bear a normal expression. Grinning, frowning or raising eyebrows is not allowed. The eyes should be open and both the edges of the face should be visible.

The head should be in the centre of the frame with both the ears should be visible in the photograph.

Donts:

Black and white photographs are not allowed.

The size of the photograph should not be smaller than the box (4.5cm in length and 3.5 cm in width).

The background of the photo should not be dark. Photos in uniform or with eyes hidden with dark glasses will be rejected.

Do not sign the photograph.

The eyes should not be covered by hair and the glares of the spectacles should be avoided by tilting the glasses a little.

Computer print photograph is not acceptable.

Don’t provide a torn or creased photo.

Except for religious reasons, head coverings are not acceptable. The face should be visible from forehead to chin.

Applying passport for a child can be a task involving real patience. Hence the first and foremost thing that must be kept in mind remains the fact that it is always advisable to apply the passport for a child as early as possible, whether it be concerned with acquiring a new passport for the child or renewing an old one it is important to understand that neither of the two is a cake walk. Over the years the regulations and the procedure for applying passport for a child has become more stringent in order to combat any instances of child abduction. Although the new regulations for applying child passport may initially seem to be really nerve wrecking yet it is best suited since it guarantees increased levels of safety for the child.

Steps Taken

Therefore in order to apply child passport the following steps must be taken:

Firstly the child needs to appear in person with both parents or the guardians.

Parental consent is compulsory for children below the age of 16.

Various documentation proofs are also required

Proofs Required

As already mentioned for the purpose of applying passport for a minor various proves of documents are required. These are enumerated below:

Proof of Citizenship: The first and foremost proof required is that of proof of citizenship. Evidence of the citizenship of the place where the child has taken birth is of prime importance. Therefore the birth certificate of the child is required in this respect. Birth certificates or the certified copies can easily be acquired from the registrar office of the state where the child was born. Other documents which serve the purpose of proofs of birth can also be presented if required.

The Relationship proof: If in case a previous passport is provided as the proof of birth than the same cannot be regarded as the proof of relationship. In order to proof the relationship of the parent with the child the following documents must be presented as the proof:

Birth Certificates with the parents name mentioned on it.

Certified copies of Foreign Birth Certificate if in case the child was born abroad.

Appropriate certification of the Birth abroad.

Adoption decree

Court order that establishes the authority of the parents.

The order of the court establishing the authority of the guardians.

Other Documents Required: Other document to be required for the process includes the following:

Photo id proof of the parents or the guardians who are applying for the passport of the child.

Photo id proofs such as driving license can be helpful in this regard

A photocopy for each of the documents submitted must be produced as well.

A passport photo of 2*2” in size must be submitted of the child.

Finally the payment of passport fees must also be made.

After the submission of the above documents and the fulfillment of the relevant formalities the application is submitted at the passport office. It takes almost 6 weeks for getting processed.

The new passport fees introduced by the US for US passport book and other relevant forms of passport services came into effect on July 13th 2010.

The Utility of Passport Fees

Passport fees charged for the applications are not only beneficial for covering the costs of the production for US Passport Book as well as US Passport Card but it also covers the expenditure for the different services during the emergency purpose as well. Such services are available for the American overseas citizens as occurring in the crisis situation. The situations of crisis can range from being that of natural disasters to that of crime scenarios. These services are attuned for helping the citizens who are stuck abroad under the situation of acute crisis. Such services are also used during the instances of death of the American citizens.

Further the fees which are charged for the application of passport are also used for ensuring technological up gradation in the department as well as implementing initiatives which are significantly focused on the prevention of any instances of fraud. The maintenance of security are also covered from these charges.

The fees charged for passport are often utilized for the purpose of expansion of infrastructure in the passport department. It ensures the following benefits:

Provisions for timely services

Maintaining high standard of services delivered

Ensuring proper security

Ensuring timely services for the public travelling

Maintaining high standard for t5he purpose of adjudication etc.

Therefore it can be relevantly mentioned that the passport fees are utilized for various purposes starting from the expansion of the infrastructure to maintaining high standard of services to be provided to the citizens and applicants.

The Importance of Passport Fees

It is important to note here in this regard that the passport fees are determined by the governments of the specific countries. Although expenditures for different purposes are incurred from the fees charged yet it must be noted that there is no profit incurred from the fees. Whatever is earned is spend on the various needs of the department and for the purpose of its expansion and infrastructural improvements.

A very important aspect to be mentioned in this regard remains the fact that no matter what under no condition the passport fees are refundable. This system is applicable to all the different types of applications.

The Value

Generally the passport books and the passport card are valid for almost ten years. A very important fact remains that the passports for the minors below the age of 16 years have the validity of only five years as compared to ten years of the adults. The passports are not only used for the purpose of travel but it also has relevance as identity proof as well.

Before trying to check the passport number the knowledge about what is passport number is of utmost importance. Passport numbers are the most essential figures needed when you want to travel from one country to another. The numbers are not similar rather they are unique to the name of the person to whom the passport belongs. The passport number reveals information about the places where then person have travelled with the passport. Again passport numbers are very essential to be remembered for the person. This is because if the passport is ever lost than the person can order a new one with the reference of the passport number.

How to Check a Passport Number

It becomes easier for organizations to check passport number which has accounts with Passport-Check. Having an account makes finding the number easier and less complicated. It is important to note here in this regard that passport is the most important official identification form and verification of a passport number is extremely crucial for verifying an individual’s identity. In order to check the passport number the person can log in to the passport check system. The system provides the opportunity to verify such information immediately.

Instructions to follow:

In order to check the passport number the following information must be followed:

Firstly the passport check option in the world check must be logged in to.

This must be followed with the downloading of passport check application.

The passport to be verified must be opened to the page that is inside the front cover.

This is the same page that contains the photo of the person and turning the passport counterclockwise can view the passport number which is written in the upper right hand corner of the page in bold and black print.

In the next step the passport number must be typed into the “Passport-Check Application” of the form. This is found beside the word “Enter Passport Number”.

Lastly the result found is to be reviewed.

It is important to understand here that the passport number is similar to the number that is printed on the driver’s license. This number is rather distinctive in its nature since this is the number that separates the passport of a person from other passports. The passport number is of nine or ten digits depending on the date of issue of your passport. This number is often referred to as the passport identity number.

Passport numbers can also be checked from OnlyFind.Com. The search can be accomplished by first clicking the Identities button after which clicking the Passport Number button can help the user to check or verify the passport number.

The process of passport renewal can be really a cumbersome task. There are a lot of complications attached with the process and there are a lot of formalities to be fulfilled. In order to ensure hassle free renewing of passport certain guidelines must be diligently followed by the applicant.

Things Required

There are certain documents which are required for applying to renew the passport. These documents are:

Firstly the old passport is required together with the photocopies of the first four pages. It also must be self attested. The photocopies of ECR and ECNR must also be produced with the other documents.

If in case the old passport was issued to the holder when he was a minor and the passport do not have a ECNR stamp then the applicant must produce the attested copies of certificate or degree equivalent to matriculation.

Thereafter the verified address proof must also be required. The documents acceptable in this situation are phone or electricity bill, ration card, or the passport copies of the parents or guardians and spouse in certain cases.

Three copies of the very recent passport size photo is also required. T5he face must be very clear in the photographs.

Steps Taken for Application to Renew

Re issue vs. Renew: It is important to note here in this regard that new passport is re issued only when the older one has completed its tenure of ten years. The re issue takes place either I year before the expiry or within three years after the term of expiry. The passport which is reissues has the validity of 1 to 5 years. It has been observed that often during the cases of emergency the passport is re issued without any extra cost being charged.

The Form of Application: The application form for the re issue of passport is similar to that of the new passport. There are specific charges which must be paid for the application form. The cost of the form varies according to the different categories. Like for instance the cost charged for children differs from that of the adults etc.

Submitting Application: The completed forms of application are supplied to the relevant passport offices.

Checking the Status: After the application have been made appropriately it becomes very important to check the status of application. The latest system of checking the application online has become very helpful for the applicants. The status can be checked from the relevant online sites file reference number.

Therefore adhering to the above mentioned steps ensures hassle free completion of the obligations for the purpose of reissuing or renewing passport. Although certain caution must be maintained to ensure speedy redress of the application.

In case of loss or theft of an Indian Passport, the first thing to be done is notify the nearest Police Station and lodge a First Instance Report (FIR). While the police investigation is on, also notify the nearest Regional Passport Office immediately, stating the date, time and location of the loss or theft.

To apply for a new passport, one needs to fill out an application for “Re-issue of passport”. The application form is available at all Regional Passport Offices, District Passport Cells and Speed Post Centres. Once the application is ready, submit it to the nearest Regional Passport Office with the following documents:

Current Address Proof (utility bills, ration card, etc.) (If applicant’s present residential address is different from the one mentioned in the old passport, the address proof needs to be attested by the supervising police officer of the local police station.)

Proof of Date of Birth (Birth Certificate)

Affidavit stating how and where the Passport was lost/damaged

Original Police report of the FIR lodged by the applicant

Self-attested photocopy of the first two and last two pages, including Emigration Check Required (ECR) as well as non-ECR pages, of the old passport

Once the application is submitted, it will take around 15-30 days for it to be processed, and then the new passport will be mailed to your residential address.

Important Points to Remember:

If you lose your passport or it gets stolen while you’re abroad, don’t worry. Lodge a complaint at the nearest Indian Mission office and follow the procedure stated above for a new passport.

If you lose your passport or it gets stolen while you’re abroad and you need to return to Indian on account of an emergency like serious illness or death, head to the nearest respective mission/post of that country and ask for an “Emergency Certificate”, that can be used to return to India. The procedure for issuing an Emergency Certificate may differ from country to country, so please be sure to completely understand the rules and regulations of your country’s respective mission/post.

Passport damage is classified into two categories:

Passport damaged, not beyond recognition – Passport number is readable, name is legible, and photo is intact.

Passport damaged beyond recognition.

If the passport damage is of the first category, then you can apply for a new passport on an urgency basis under the ‘Tatkal’ scheme. However, if the damage is of the second category, then the ‘Tatkal’ scheme is not applicable. In such circumstances, for a passport on an urgency basis, contact the Assistant Passport Officer at the nearest Regional Passport Office.

If your passport is lost or stolen, DON’T PANIC. Keep a calm head, follow the procedure mentioned above, and a new passport will be issued to you in no time.

The procedure for getting a new Indian Passport has been greatly simplified in recent years. Passports are issued by the various Regional Passport Offices (RPOs), so hunt for one in your city if you need a new one made. It can take up to 45 days to get a new passport, so be sure to plan ahead. Keeping in mind the following simple steps and tips will help you greatly:

Steps for getting the Passport:

Before you apply for the passport, please be sure to have all necessary documents with you. These usually include 6 passport size photos (3.5 cm x 3.5 cm), Age-proof certificate, and 3 different residence-proof documents (utility bills, ration cards, etc.). Please enquire at your local RPO to verify the exact list of documents required.

Once you have all the required documents, follow these easy steps to get your Passport:

Buy the application form. It’s usually available at the RPO or other legal publication institutes for `10.

Once you’ve filled the form, take it to the RPO with the required documents for submission. You may have to wait in a long queue before you get to submit the application, so plan ahead.

At the RPO, you’ll be given a token. Applications will be called based on the token numbers, so wait for your turn.

Once you’re called, submit the application to the designated government officer and complete any other required formalities.

The passport will be mailed to the address mentioned in your application form once it has been processed (approx. time – 30 to 45 days).

Special Cases

Passport For Minors: A signed approval letter from parents/guardians is compulsory along with passport applications for minors, along with the birth certificate, proof of residence and photocopies of the passports of the parents/guardians.

Tatkal: In case of emergencies, there is a ‘Tatkal’ facility available. To get a passport under this facility, a Verification Certificate (available at the RPO) must be submitted along with the application, duly stamped and signed by the designated government authority. At the time of submission of application, the applicants must make it clear that they wish to apply for a ‘Tatkal’ passport. Processing time for these applications is 4-5 days, depending on availability of resources and manpower.

Tips

Be sure you have all required documents with you. Even a single missing document is enough reason for your application to be rejected.

Please wait for your turn to submit the application. Yelling at the officials and asking to be moved ahead will not be entertained, and might result in your application being rejected.

Do not believe touts/bookies who claim they can get your passport done faster. There is only one standard way of issuing an Indian passport, and it takes the time it has to. You might end up losing all the money you give, and not getting a passport at all.

To apply for the Police Clearance Certificate you must hold a valid passport. Sometimes, the visa office requires you to procure the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) to grant you the visa of the country you want to travel to. There are two ways to apply for the Police Clearance Certificate. They are as follows:

Online Application for Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

To apply online for the PCC you need to visit the passport seva website and register yourself to get a user account. Once you have a user ID and password you need to do the following:

Click on the Apply for Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) on the left side of the menu.

Fill in the required details like your Passport No., Name, etc. mentioned in the form.

Submit from online after filling it.

Upload the required documents from the option Upload Document from your homepage. The documents should be self-attested after taking a printout of the scanned copy and then uploaded as a PDF file.

E-form Submission for the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

Another way to apply for PCC is through e-form submission. Here the applicant does not need to create a user ID to fill the form but the user account is necessary for the submission. The applicant has to follow these steps:

Download the e-form from the official website of the passport seva on your computer.

Fill in the e-form and save it.

Create a user account at the passport seva website and upload the form by clicking the Upload E-Form option on the left side on the navigation bar.

Upload your self-attested documents in the form of a PDF file.

After the successful submission of the application for PCC, the applicant needs to visit the Passport Seva Kendra(PSK)/ Mini Passport Seva Kendra(MINI PSK) to complete the submission procedure. The applicant can schedule an appointment for a visit to the PSK/Mini PSK or can walk into one. After finishing all the formalities at the PSK/Mini PSK the applicant can collect a printed receipt of the final status of the application. The submission procedure ends here.

Things to Remember

Fill in the application carefully and accurately, as any error will lead to delay.

The system generates your Application Reference Number or ARN. This number is to be noted as the applicant will be required to provide it while completing the submission process.

In case of the applicant being minor and below 4 years of age, a photograph of the applicant with white background is to be carried along to the PSK/Mini PSK.

To book a prior appointment with the PSK view Manage Appointment on the homepage of the applicant.